A control device for actuating a switch and directing a fluid pressure force

ABSTRACT

A control device having one moving body for actuating application of both electromotive force (e.m.f.) and fluidpressure-force (FPF) in a system such as vehicular heating, ventillating, and/or air-conditioning having a case with a first wall equipped with selectively positioned FPF supply ports and use ports located between supply and use in the system and a second wall equipped with e.m.f. selectively positioned switch arms and contacts located between EMF supply and use in a system; a movable body having a first surface equipped with a grooved maze lying against the ported wall of the case forming a plurality of selective FPF channels relative to the FPF supply and use ports and having a second surface equipped with cam ramps for actuating the EMF switch arms selectively relative to the contacts; and means for selectively moving the body relative to the case to change the maze channels relative to the ports and change the cams relative to the switch arms to selectively and simultaneously control the application of e.m.f. and FPF in the system.

United States Patent Fiddler et al.

[451 Jan. 25, 1972 [S4] A CONTROL DEVICE FOR ACTUATING A SWITCH ANDDIRECTING A FLUID PRESSURE FORCE [72] Inventors: Theodore E. Fiddler,1268 Suffield Drive, Birmingham, Mich. 48008; Arnold G. Adams, Troy,Mich.

[73] Assignee: said Fiddler, by said Adams [22] Filed: Dec. 2, 1970 [2!]App]. No.: 94,283

[52] US. Cl ..200/6l.86, l37/625 .48

51 Int. l. ..l-l01h 9/06 [58] Field 6: Search "ZOO/61.86

[56] References'Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,048,675 8/l962 Olson et al..200/6l.86

Primary Examiner-Robert K. Schaefer Assistant Examiner-M. GinsburgAtt0rneyWilliam T. Sevald [57] ABSTRACT A control device having onemoving body for actuating application of both electromotive force(e.m.f.) and fluid-pressureforce (FPF) in a system such as vehicularheating, ventillating, and/or air-conditioning having a case with afirst wall equipped with selectively positioned FPF supply ports and useports located between supply and use in the system and a second wallequipped with e.m.f. selectively positioned switch arms and contactslocated between EMF supply and use in a system; a movable body having afirst surface equipped with a grooved maze lying against the ported wallof the case forming a plurality of selective F PF channels relative tothe FPF supply and use ports and having a second surface equipped withcam ramps for actuating the EMF switch arms selectively relative to thecontacts; and means for selectively moving the body relative to the caseto change the maze channels relative to the ports and change the camsrelative to the switch arms to selec tively and simultaneously controlthe application of e.m.f. and FPF in the system.

5 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures J4 difd PATENTED James 1972 SHEET 2 0F '2ATTORNEY A CONTROL DEVICE FOR ACTUATING A SWITCH AND DIRECTING A FLUIDPRESSURE FORCE This invention relates to a control device having onemoving body for actuating application of both elcctromotive force(e.m.f.) and fluid-pressure force (FPF) in a system such as vehicularheating, ventilating, and/or air-conditioning.

Control devices of the prior art employed heretofore have a plurality ofmoving bodies, are complicated in design and construction, expensive tomanufacture, difficult to operate, use, and repair, and cumbersome toplace, mount, and connect.

With the foregoing in view, it is a primary object of the invention toprovide a control device which has a single moving body, is simple indesign and construction, inexpensive to manufacture, easy to operate,use, and repair, and facile to place, mount and connect.

A further object of the invention is to provide a case equipped with FPFconnections and valve ports and equipped with e.m.f. terminals,contacts, and switch arms.

A further object of the invention is to provide a single moving body inthe case having a plural channel maze side relative to the FPF ports anda plural cam ramp side relative to the e.m.f. switch arms so thatmovement of the body relative to the case selectively actuates thedesired coordinated application of both e.m.f. and FPF in a system.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent byreference to the following description of a control device embodying theinvention taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a control device embodying the inventionshowing the e.m.f. connections in elevation, show ing the contacts indotted lines, and showing the actuator lever foreshortened.

FIG. 2 is a back-elevational view of the device seen in FIG. 1, taken onthe line 2-2 thereof, showing the lever in cross section, and showing anentry slot for the lever leading to the interior of the case.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the device seen in FIG. 1,taken on the line 3-3 thereof, showing the body in elevation in the casewith the body equipped with cam ramps for operating the e.m.f. switcharms, a spring detent arm on the body bearing against the case to holdits opposite channel maze face sealed against the body in a selectedposition and to give position feel to the operator, and showing FPFports in the case.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the body seen in FIG. 3 showing the camramps.

FIG. 5 is an opposite side enlarged cross-sectional view of the deviceseen in FIG. 3, such as on the line 55 of FIG. 4 showing the channelface of the body in elevation; the switch arms and cam ramps in oneposition; the ports and channels in one position; and with modified camramps.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing the actuation of differentswitch arms and channels with the body in a second position.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIGS. 5 and 6 showing the actuation ofdifferent switch arms and channels with the body in a third position.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the case, similar to FIG. 3, takenon the 8-8 of FIG. 9, showing the ported wall of the case.

FIG. 9 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the device seen in FIGS.1, 2, and 3; and

FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the device seen in FIGS.1, 2, and 8, taken on line 10-l0ofFIG. 9.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like andcorresponding parts throughout the several views, the control devicedisclosed therein to illustrate the invention comprises, a case and abody 21. The case 20 has opposite end walls 22 and 23, a top wall 24, abottom wall 25, a front wall 26, and a backwall 27. The walls 22-27define a hollow interior and house the body 21 therein. The case 20walls may be split as desired, such as seen in FIG. 9, wherein frontwall 26 and bottom wall are separably attached to the other walls toopen the case 20.

An arm 30 extends from the backwall 27. A lever 31 is fulcrumed on thearm 30 by a stud 32. The lever 31 leads through a slot 33 in thebackwall 27 into the interior of the case 20. An inner end 34 on thelever 31 sits in a pocket 35 in the body 21. The case backwall 27 has aseries of spaced depressions 36. A spring arm 37 on the body 21 has aball detent end 38 bearing against the depressions 36. The spring arm 37urges the body 21 against the front wall 26. v

By swinging the lever 31, the body 21 is caused to' slide against thefront wall 26 and the ball detent end 38 to move across the depressions36 in the backwall 27 giving the operator positioned feel" and alsolocating and holding the body 21 at the adjusted position.

Ports 40, such as 408, 40A, 40B, and 40C, are formed in the front wall26. Nipples 41 surmount the ports 40 for connection to tubular lines. Achannel maze 42 of at least two channels is formed on a surface of thebody 21. The channel maze surface 42 on the body 21 bears. against thefront wall 26 and coacts with the ports 40 selectively at variouspositions as desired and integrated in the positioning of the ports 40and the design of the channel maze surface 42. By swinging the lever 31,the maze surface 42 is moved relative to the ports 40 to changechanneling therebetween.

An electrical tenninal strip 50 on the case wall 26 has three contacts51, 52, and 53. Terminal strips 54, 55, and 56 on the case top wall 26have attached switch arms 57, 58, and 59 respectively which, whenactuated, complete a circuit to the contacts 51, 52, and 53respectively. The body 21 has a surface 60 having cam ramps 61, 62, and63. The cam ramps 61, 62, and 63 coact with switch arms 57, 58, and 59respectively to make and break circuits at the contacts 51, 52, and 53respectively. By swinging the lever 31, the cam ramps 61, 62, and 63 aremoved relative to the switch arms 57, 58, and 59 to change circuitstherebetween.

FPF supply may be higher or lower than atmospheric pressure and isconnected to one or more ports 40 by tubular lines on at least onenipple 41. FPF tubular lines to use are connected also on the nipples 41and lead to items which are powered thereby. E.m.f. wires are connectedto the terminal strips 50, 51, and 52 and 53 in circuits between supplyand use, and connect to items which are powered thereby when the switcharms 57-59 are actuated.

Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 showing illustrative positions X, Y,and Z respectively, the FPF and e.m.f. are variously controlled by thedevice. In FIG. 5, e.m.f. supply is connected to use by ramp 63 closingswitch arm 59 on contact 53 and FPF supply is connected to use by supplyport 408 being channeled to use port 408 as indicated by the brokenline. In FIG. 6, e.m.f. supply is connected to use by ramp 6] closingswitch arm 57 on contact 51 and FPF supply is connected to use by supplyport 408 being channeled to use port 40A as indicated by the brokenline. In FIG. 7, e.m.f. supply is connected to use by ramp 62 closingswitch arm 58 oncontact 52 and FPF supply is connected to use by supplyport 405 being channeled to use ports 40A and 40C as indicated by thebroken lines.

It will be understood that the channel maze surface 42 may be grooved asdesired to connect and/or block use ports 40A, B, C, relative to thesupply port 408 at the various positions of the body 21 as desired andthat the cam ramps 61-63 may be located selectively to actuate switcharms 57-59 at the various positions of the body 21 as desired.

The number of switch arms, contacts, terminals and ramps, the number ofports and channels, and the number of various positions are designed andengineered in the device to suit the needs of desired control and/or toprovide a device with a large plurality of e.m.f. and FPF actuationpositions so that less than all control positions may be selectivelyused. While the movement of the body 21 has been shown and described aslever actuated, the body 21 and case 20 relative movement may beactuated by cams, cables, etc.

In an exemplary installation of the control device of the invention in avehicle heating, ventilating and/or air-conditioning system, the FPFcircuits are connected 'to the pressure powered servomechanism, and/ormotors and the e.m.f. circuits are connected to the electrically poweredservomechanisms, and/or motors. in the control of the system, the FPFand e.m.f. powered elements are coordinated for operating sequences andnonoperating sequences. The interaction of the ports 40 and channel mazesurface 42 is coordinated with the interaction of the cam ramps 61, 62,and 63, and the switch arms 57, 58, and 59 to control, selectively andin combination, the operating sequences and the nonoperating sequencesof the powered items to control the system. The coordinated interactionmay be engineered and designed in the device to suit the needs of anyparticular system or the system may be engineered to suit the operationof any control device or various models of control devices.

The scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims.

We claim: 1. A control device having one moving element controlling theapplication of both e.m.f. and FPF in a system, comprising,

a case having at least a first wall and a second wall, a body in saidcase having at least a first surface and a second surface; said bodysurfaces lying adjacent said case walls; means for moving one said bodyand said case relative to one another to locate said body relative tosaid case in at least two positions, said case having at least one FPFsupply port and oneFPF use port in said first wall surmounted by nipplesfor making connections to FPF supply and use, said body first surfaceslidably sealing against said first ported wall of said case, said bodyfirst surface having a grooved maze constituting at least two separatechannels between said FPF supply and use ports with each said channelselectively communicating between F PF supply and use ports at one saidposition of said body relative to said case to effect desiredapplication of FPF in a system,

said case having at least two sets of e.m.f. switch arms and contacts onsaid second wall,

e.m.f. terminals on said case leading to and from said switch arms andcontacts for connection to e.m.f. supply and use;

said body second surface having at least two cams with each said camselectively actuating one said e.m.f. switch arm and contact at one saidposition of said body relative to said case to effect desiredapplication of e.m.f. in system;

the cam arm e.m.f. control and the channel port FPF control both beingcoordinated in operating a system by the position of said body relativeto said case.

2. In a device as set forth in claim 1,

said case having a third wall spaced from and opposite to said firstported wall; and

a spring on one said body and case bearing against the other at saidthird wall urging said body channel maze surface in sealed relationshipagainst said case first ported wall.

3. In a device as set forth in claim 1,

said case having a third wall spaced from and opposite to said firstported wall;

a spring on one said body and case hearing against the other at saidthird wall urging said body channel maze surface in sealed relationshipagainst said case first ported wall,

a ball detent end on said spring; and

a series of sockets in one said case and body for receiving said springdetent end for holding said body and case relative to one another inadjusted position.

4. In a device as set forth in claim 1, said case defining a linearcavity and said body moving linearly in said case cavity to actuatechange of channels and to actuate change of circuits.

5. In a device as set forth in claim 1, said means for moving said caseand body relative to one another comprising,

a lever fulcrumed on said case having a first interior end engaging saidbody and a second exterior end for actuating said lever.

1. A control device having one moving element controlling theapplication of both e.m.f. and FPF in a system, comprising, a casehaving at least a first wall and a second wall, a body in said casehaving at least a first surface and a second surface; said body surfaceslying adjacent said case walls; means for moving one said body and saidcase relative to one another to locate said body relative to said casein at least two positions, said case having at least one FPF supply portand one FPF use port in said first wall surmounted by nipples for makingconnections to FPF supply and use, said body first surface slidablysealing against said first ported wall of said case, said body firstsurface having a grooved maze constituting at least two separatechannels between said FPF supply and use ports with each said channelselectively communicating between FPF supply and use ports at one saidposition of said body relative to said case to effect desiredapplication of FPF in a system, said case having at least two sets ofe.m.f. switch arms and contacts on said second wall, e.m.f. terminals onsaid case leading to and from said switch arms and contacts forconnection to e.m.F. supply and use; said body second surface having atleast two cams with each said cam selectively actuating one said e.m.f.switch arm and contact at one said position of said body relative tosaid case to effect desired application of EMF in system; the cam arme.m.f. control and the channel port FPF control both being coordinatedin operating a system by the position of said body relative to saidcase.
 2. In a device as set forth in claim 1, said case having a thirdwall spaced from and opposite to said first ported wall; and a spring onone said body and case bearing against the other at said third wallurging said body channel maze surface in sealed relationship againstsaid case first ported wall.
 3. In a device as set forth in claim 1,said case having a third wall spaced from and opposite to said firstported wall; a spring on one said body and case bearing against theother at said third wall urging said body channel maze surface in sealedrelationship against said case first ported wall, a ball detent end onsaid spring; and a series of sockets in one said case and body forreceiving said spring detent end for holding said body and case relativeto one another in adjusted position.
 4. In a device as set forth inclaim 1, said case defining a linear cavity and said body movinglinearly in said case cavity to actuate change of channels and toactuate change of circuits.
 5. In a device as set forth in claim 1, saidmeans for moving said case and body relative to one another comprising,a lever fulcrumed on said case having a first interior end engaging saidbody and a second exterior end for actuating said lever.